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| YouTube app on the Switch 2 is shown |
It’s a bittersweet moment for Nintendo Switch owners who mix gaming with binge-watching. As recently confirmed, the Hulu app will officially bow out on the original Nintendo Switch on February 5, 2026, marking the end of an era for one of the console's few video streaming options. But while one door closes, the gaming community is holding its breath for another to finally open: the long-promised YouTube app for the Switch 2.
The Original Switch’s Shrinking Streaming Library
The news came via a quiet update on Nintendo’s official support site, but it was gaming deal hunter Wario64 on X (formerly Twitter) who amplified the message to fans. The discontinuation isn’t entirely unexpected, aligning with Hulu’s broader integration into Disney+. However, it leaves a noticeable gap, as there’s no standalone Disney+ app to fill the void on Nintendo’s platform.
You can read the official notice from Nintendo here: Nintendo Support: Discontinuation of Hulu App.
Despite this loss, the original Switch isn’t a complete streaming desert. CrunchyRoll remains a robust hub for anime enthusiasts. More crucially, the YouTube app is a vital lifeline for players seeking walkthroughs, game news, or just casual viewing. This makes the streaming situation on its successor all the more puzzling.
The Switch 2’s Backward Compatibility Gap
The Nintendo Switch 2, while praised for its game backward compatibility, has launched with a startling lack of streaming app support. This "clean slate" approach means even the existing CrunchyRoll app from the original Switch doesn’t carry over. For a device touted as a premium hybrid experience, the omission feels like a step backward in media versatility.
Hope, however, is pinned on one major player: Google. Shortly after the Switch 2’s release, YouTube signaled its intention to support the new console. In an October update posted on X, @TeamYouTube stated: “YouTube is not yet available on the Nintendo Switch 2, but we hope to be offering it soon.”
You can see that initial update from YouTube here: TeamYouTube on X.
"The Hulu app is no longer available in the Nintendo Switch eShop with support for the application ending on February 5, 2026." https://t.co/cEO324OMSA pic.twitter.com/BSt95Y1yES
— Wario64 (@Wario64) January 7, 2026
Is YouTube Finally on the Horizon?
The wait since that announcement has been a test of patience for users wanting a true all-in-one portable device. Recently, a new spark of information emerged from an unlikely source: YouTube’s own support team. A Reddit user, ParticularQuality, shared details from a conversation with support, indicating that the app's development is complete and it is now “currently going through Nintendo's verification processes.”
This aligns with the standard procedure for any app on Nintendo’s platform and suggests a release could be imminent—though "soon" in the world of app certification is always relative. You can view the Reddit comment discussing this update here: Reddit Comment on YouTube for Switch 2.
The Bigger Picture: Should the Switch Even Be a Streaming Device?
This ongoing saga has reignited a classic debate about Nintendo’s philosophy. The company has always prioritized gaming-first hardware, unlike the more multimedia-focused PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Some argue this purity is a strength, while others see it as a missed opportunity for a device that’s perfect for portable viewing.
Critics also point fingers at streaming providers themselves, who may not see the Nintendo audience as a large enough market to justify rapid development and support. For now, many gamers are simply resigning themselves to using their smartphones or tablets for mobile streaming, treating their Switch purely as a gaming machine.
As the February 2026 date for Hulu’s departure approaches, the spotlight on the Switch 2’s streaming capabilities grows brighter. The arrival of YouTube could be a crucial step in rounding out the console’s appeal. Until then, the wait continues, leaving gamers to wonder if their powerful new handheld will ever become the entertainment hub they want it to be.